E/LEAD is a four-year, cohort-based “school within a school” program designed to guide students in leadership identity development, engage them in co- and extra-curricular activities that enhance their academic experience, and prepare them to graduate with a robust post-secondary plan, whether in the world of work or continuing education. Any student who meets the criteria can make an appointment for an interview. Enrollment in E/LEAD is selective. Students who participate in E/LEAD must meet the program criteria, provide required materials, and participate in an interview in order to be selected. Participation in all four years is expected, as the Academy includes a required 4- year seminar advisory, as well as off-campus and summer experiences designed to build leadership skills within this special community. 

Admission Criteria:
Students eligible for participating in the admission process for the ETHS Leadership Academy (E/LEAD)  will have the following: 

• MAP 216-230 Reading; 231+ Math  

• 90% attendance

• No grades of F/No Standards with “IE”

Admission Process: 
Any student who meets the criteria may sign up for an interview. In order to prepare for the interview, students will need to: 

• Respond to 1 short essay prompt; 

• Prepare a brief presentation (5 minutes or less) about a project/accomplishment that happened during Middle School that the student is proud of. (The project/accomplishment need not be school-based.)  

• Participate in an interview (20 minutes) with the committee. 

• Get a recommendation from a teacher or community member. 

• Submit all application materials by/before the deadline of February 21, 2025.

Families/Caregivers whose students elect to participate in the interview process will need to: 

• Review the application and ensure their student has completed all components;

• If their student is selected, attend the required information sessions (to be held in early Spring, 2025)

Program Components*:
E/LEAD is a four-year cohort program, embedded into the ETHS high school experience. Students in the program will enroll in a high school program that will prepare them for graduation, but which includes the following co- curricular elements: 

• LEADvisory seminar, a required elective course. Grades 9-12

• Participation in Summer E/LEAD trips Grade 9 and 10 (Summer 2025 dates: June 28-July 3)

• Participation in Spring E/LEAD learning retreats Grades 11-12

• Participation in co- and extra-curricular planning for “life after ETHS”, which will include field trips, opportunities for internships/job experiences, pre-collegiate experiences, and mentoring. 

*All travel and retreat experiences are a core component of E/LEAD, and are provided at no cost to families.